Amplexus

Amplexus is the mating embrace in which a male amphibian clasps a female as she releases eggs, positioning him to fertilize them externally.

External fertilization: Fertilization in which sperm and egg unite outside the female’s body. During amplexus, the male releases sperm as the female lays eggs.
Amphibian: A cold-blooded vertebrate in the class Amphibia, typically associated with aquatic eggs and moist skin. Amplexus is a reproductive behavior found among amphibians.
Axillary amplexus: A form of amplexus in which the male clasps the female around her torso just behind the forelimbs. This common frog posture places the male over the female during egg laying.
Internal fertilization: Fertilization in which sperm and egg unite inside the female’s reproductive tract. Amplexus typically accompanies external fertilization, while some amphibians fertilize internally.
Anuran: A member of the amphibian order Anura, which includes frogs and toads. Amplexus is especially associated with frogs and toads.
Oviparity: Reproduction in which animals lay eggs that develop outside the mother’s body. The female commonly releases eggs during the embrace.
Inguinal amplexus: A form of amplexus in which the male clasps the female around the waist near her hind limbs. Some frogs hold this lower position rather than clasping behind the forelimbs.
Salamander courtship: Courtship behaviors through which salamanders attract mates and coordinate sperm transfer. Many salamanders use courtship and spermatophore transfer instead of a prolonged egg-laying embrace.
Clasper: A structure or appendage used by an animal to hold a mate during reproduction. The male’s forelimbs function as temporary grasping structures during the embrace.
Spermatophore: A packet of sperm transferred by a male to a female during reproduction. Unlike the usual external sperm release in frog amplexus, some salamanders transfer sperm in packets.

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